Cooking Corner

April 9, 2010

We've recently have had some beautiful spring days. I heard in an Easter message last week that, "Springtime is a season of hope and joy and cheer." We should take notice to value all we see, or touch, or hear, or to smell. In spring there is an awaking of so many things; a time to rejoice, a time for new life. I have noticed this week how many of the vines and trees that seemed to be without life are showing the beginning of greenery and new shoots. And I will continue to watch for "new life' as they appear through the coming days.

In the happy springtime, when the trees burst their buds, the flowers bloom and the birds are singing many children rebel because they are cooped up in school or like me housework is boring but it has to be done. When I listen to the birds chirping, I think- the birds are free! Why cannot we be like them? Why do I have to push to get these daily chores done? Why can't we learn without going to school? The birds know how to sing without being taught. Why must things always be a learning experience for us?

Recently I watched on IPTV a program about birds and it is a mistake to think that birds don't learn. Young birds must be taught many things before they can be trusted to care for themselves. They must even learn to sing. The Father Thrush will sing in loud clear notes for the young birds in the family, and then stop to listen while the young ones try to imitate his song. Those who have studied bird life tell us that they will repeat the lessons many times and that the young birds must practice the second year also in order to learn the whole song and sing it right.

I hope all of you enjoyed the Easter week-end and if you are like us are still enjoying the left-over ham. This is a combination of various pasta salads. It's great as a side dish or a main meal.

HAM PASTA SALAD

1 box (7 oz.) shell

macaroni, cooked and

drained

2 cups cubed fully

cooked ham

1 cup chopped green

pepper

1 cup chopped tomato

1/4 cup chopped onion

DRESSING:

1/2 cup mayonnaise or

salad dressing

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

cheese

2 Tablespoons milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Parmesan

In a large bowl, toss macaroni with ham, green pepper, tomato and onion. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, cheese, milk and salt. Pour over pasta mixture and stir to coat. Cover and chill. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.